Embedded household appliance, first gap retaining part and gap retaining assembly

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention relates to an embedded household appliance, a first gap keeping piece and a gap keeping assembly. The household appliance comprises a main body, at least one cavity is defined, the main body comprises a pair of oppositely-arranged side walls, and the pair of side walls limit the main body in the width direction of the household appliance; a door movably connected to the main body to open and close at least a portion of the chamber; and the first gap maintaining piece is arranged on at least one of the pair of side walls. The first gap holder includes a first top surface located at the top of the first gap holder and a first guide surface disposed at least partially around the first top surface.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of household appliances, and in particular to an embedded household appliance. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, it has become a trend in the market to install household appliances such as refrigerators in cabinets, especially in medium and large cities, embedded household appliances have become the mainstream of the market.

[0003] Since the household appliance is embedded in the installation cavity of the cabinet, directly pushing the household appliance into the installation cavity of the cabinet without using any limiting structure during the installation process will result in different distances between the household appliance and the cabinet on both sides. The distance between the household appliance and the cabinet wall on one side is large, and the distance between the household appliance and the cabinet wall on the other side is small, which not only affects the overall appearance of the household appliance and the cabinet, but also may cause other problems, especially when the household appliance is a refrigerator, which may cause the opening of the refrigerator door to be interfered by the cabinet wall, the opening of the refrigerator door is limited, and the normal use of the refrigerator is affected. On the other hand, the distance between the side wall of the refrigerator and the cabinet wall is too small, the ventilation is not good, the air circulation is poor, and condensation is likely to occur on the side wall of the main body. SUMMARY

[0004] An object of the present application is to provide an improved embedded household appliance.

[0005] One aspect of the present application relates to an embedded household appliance, comprising a main body defining at least one chamber, the main body comprising a pair of oppositely arranged side walls, a pair of the side walls delimiting the main body in a width direction of the household appliance; a door movably connected to the main body to open and close at least a portion of the chamber; and a first gap holder provided on at least one of the pair of side walls.

[0006] The first gap holder comprises a first top surface located at the top of the first gap holder and a first guide surface at least partially surrounding the first top surface, in the use state of the first gap holder, the first guide surface extends obliquely from near to far towards the center close to the first top surface relative to the side wall.

[0007] The first gap holder can limit the distance between the household appliance and the cabinet to a predetermined range, so that the distance between the household appliance and the cabinet is not too large or too small. In this way, it is not only beneficial to the overall appearance of the household appliance and the cabinet. For some household appliances such as refrigerators, it can reduce the interference of the cabinet wall on the refrigerator door, and facilitate the smooth opening of the refrigerator door. On the other hand, it is beneficial to reduce the possibility of condensation on the side wall of the main body of the refrigerator.

[0008] On the other hand, the scheme of the present embodiment can reduce the requirement for the installation direction of the first gap maintainer. The first gap maintainer can be installed on the side wall of the household appliance without maintaining a specific installation direction, which is more user-friendly and convenient.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the first guide surface is configured as a plane or a curved surface.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the first top surface is configured as a plane or a curved surface.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the first top surface and the first guide surface are smoothly connected.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the first guide surface is arranged around the first top surface. Thus, the first guide surface has a guiding effect in the circumferential direction of the first gap maintainer to guide the cabinet wall to the first top surface. Thus, the present improvement can enable the first gap maintainer to be installed on the side wall without maintaining a specific direction.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the top end of the first guide surface is located in the plane where the first top surface is located. Thus, the first guide surface can smoothly guide the cabinet wall to the first top surface.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, a plurality of first gap maintainers are arranged on each side wall. In this way, both sides of the household appliance can maintain a predetermined distance from the cabinet, so that the household appliance is pushed into the installation cavity of the cabinet at equal intervals.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, a plurality of first gap maintainers are arranged on the side wall, and the plurality of first gap maintainers are arranged in at least two columns extending along the height direction of the household appliance, one column is arranged close to the front edge of the side wall, and the other column is arranged close to the rear edge of the side wall. Thus, the household appliance is limited at the beginning of entering the cabinet until it is completely pushed in, and the household appliance is always limited during the entire embedded installation process.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, a plurality of first gap maintainers are arranged on the side wall, and the plurality of first gap maintainers are arranged in two rows extending along the depth direction of the household appliance, one row is arranged closer to the upper edge of the side wall than to the lower edge of the side wall, and the other row is arranged closer to the lower edge of the side wall than to the upper edge of the side wall. Thus, the household appliance is well limited in the height direction from the cabinet wall during the embedded installation process.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the distance from the rear edge of the side wall of the first gap holder arranged near the rear edge of the side wall is less than the distance from the upper edge or lower edge of the side wall.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the distance from the front edge of the first gap holder arranged near the front edge of the side wall is 50-100 mm. Thus, the household appliance is still limited in the final stage of being pushed into the cabinet.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the distance from the rear edge of the first gap holder arranged near the rear edge of the side wall is 50-100 mm. The household appliance is limited in the initial stage of entering the cabinet.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the distance from the upper edge of the side wall of the first gap holder arranged closer to the upper edge of the side wall than to the lower edge of the side wall is 50-300 mm.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the distance from the lower edge of the side wall of the first gap holder arranged closer to the lower edge of the side wall than to the upper edge of the side wall is 50-300 mm.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, a plurality of the first gap holders are arranged in at least three rows in the depth direction of the household appliance, one row arranged near the upper edge of the side wall, one row arranged near the lower edge of the side wall, and one row arranged between the two rows and at the same height range as the hinge or belt line of the household appliance. Thus, it is ensured that the household appliance maintains a predetermined distance from the cabinet wall on the hinge side, thereby reducing the possibility of the door of the household appliance colliding with the cabinet wall when being opened.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the first top surface is configured to be parallel to the plane of the side wall in the use state of the first gap holder.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the first top surface is configured to be part of a spherical surface.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the first gap holder is configured as a truncated cone, a truncated pyramid, or a spherical segment.

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the first guide surface has a first included angle a with respect to the side wall, and the value of a is in the range of 0°<a≤60°.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the first gap holder comprises a buffer portion, and the hardness of the buffer portion is less than that of the first top surface and the first guide surface.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the first gap holder is formed with a mounting surface facing the side wall, and the buffer portion is provided on the mounting surface. Thus, the improved scheme of the present embodiment can buffer the contact between the first gap holder and the cabinet, rather than a hard contact, and can reduce the possibility of scratches on the cabinet wall caused by the first gap holder. On the other hand, the improvement can reduce the possibility of the side wall of the household appliance being pressed.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the buffer portion has a first adhesive layer on a side facing the side wall, to mount the first gap holder to the side wall.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the household appliance further comprises a second gap holder including a second top surface at a top of the second gap holder and a second guide surface provided at least partially around the second top surface, wherein the second gap holder is connected to the first gap holder, and the second gap holder is located between the first gap holder and the side wall.

[0031] The present embodiment can limit the size of at least two gaps between the household appliance and the cabinet by using the first gap holder (or the second gap holder) alone or using the first gap holder and the second gap holder connected together, to meet different requirements for embedded gaps.

[0032] For different requirements for embedded gaps, the present embodiment can selectively use the first gap holder (or the second gap holder) alone or use the first gap holder and the second gap holder connected together. It can be seen that the present embodiment can meet more different requirements for embedded installation gaps by selectively using one gap holder alone or stacking multiple gap holders. The trouble of manufacturing various gap holders with different thickness specifications using more molds is avoided.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the first guide surface has a first included angle a with respect to the side wall, and the second guide surface has a second included angle β with respect to the side wall, wherein a > β.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the first guide surface and the second guide surface partially overlap in a direction parallel to the side wall, and the first guide surface is located outside the second guide surface.

[0035] In one or more embodiments, the top of the first gap holder is formed with a sink, and the second gap holder is at least partially located in the sink so that the top end of the first guide surface protrudes beyond the bottom end of the second guide surface in a direction perpendicular to the side wall.

[0036] In one or more embodiments, the sink is disposed at least partially around the first top surface.

[0037] In one or more embodiments, the sink is located between the first top surface and the first guide surface.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the sink is spaced apart from the first top surface and the first guide surface such that a top portion of the first gap holder forms an island.

[0039] In one or more embodiments, a bottom portion of the second gap holder is formed with a recessed portion recessed toward the second top surface, and the first top surface is accommodated in the recessed portion in a fitting manner.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, the second gap holder is non-destructively detachably connected to the first gap holder.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, one of the first gap holder and the second gap holder comprises a sliding groove, and the other of the first gap holder and the second gap holder comprises a sliding block adapted to slide into the sliding groove and be clamped in the sliding groove in a direction in which the first gap holder points to the second gap holder.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, a top portion of the first gap holder forms an island, the second gap holder comprises a recessed portion adapted to the island, and as the sliding block slides in the sliding groove to a preset position, the island enters the recessed portion and cooperates with the recessed portion to position the second gap holder to a certain extent in a direction in which the sliding block slides out of the sliding groove.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, a circumferential wall circumferentially defining the recessed portion extends outwardly and obliquely from the recessed portion toward a bottom surface of the second gap holder.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, an included angle between the circumferential wall circumferentially defining the recessed portion and the first top surface is an obtuse angle greater than or equal to 120°.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the island and the first guide surface are spaced apart by a sink at least partially surrounding the island.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the first top surface is formed as a top surface of the island, and the sliding groove communicates the first guide surface and the island.

[0047] In one or more embodiments, the slide includes a first opening open toward the other one of the first gap holder, the second gap holder, a width dimension of a portion of the slide other than the first opening is greater than a width dimension of the first opening.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, an entrance of the slide is located at the first guide surface.

[0049] In one or more embodiments, the slide block is disposed in the recessed portion protruding from a top surface of the recessed portion.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the slide has a stop portion limiting the slide block at a preset position, the stop portion is configured to form one wall of the slide.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, one of the first gap holder, the second gap holder includes a hook, the other one of the first gap holder, the second gap holder includes a slot, the hook is adapted to be clamped in the slot so that the second gap holder is connected to the first gap holder.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, the second gap holder includes a second adhesive layer, the second gap holder is connected to the first gap holding portion through the second adhesive layer.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the second gap holder is individually connected to the side wall through the second adhesive layer.

[0054] The present application also has an embodiment relating to a first gap holder for a household appliance, the first gap holder includes a first top surface located at a top of the first gap holder and a first guide surface disposed at least partially around the first top surface, in a use state of the first gap holder, the first guide surface extends obliquely from near to far relative to the side wall toward a center close to the first top surface.

[0055] The present application further has an embodiment providing a gap holding assembly for a household appliance, the gap holding assembly includes a first gap holder and a second gap holder, the second gap holder includes a second top surface located at a top of the second gap holder and a second guide surface disposed at least partially around the second top surface, wherein the second gap holder is connected to the first gap holder, the second gap holder is located between the first gap holder and the household appliance.

[0056] Further features of the present invention are derived from the claims, the drawings and the description of the drawings. The features and feature combinations previously named in the description and the features and feature combinations named in the following description of the drawings and / or shown in the drawings alone can be used not only in the respective indicated combinations, but also in other combinations or alone without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention are also to be considered as comprising and disclosing what is derived from the described embodiments by way of combination and / or abstraction of individual features. The embodiments and feature combinations are also to be considered as disclosed, which therefore do not include all features of the initially formulated independent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0057] Figure 1 Schematic view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention during recessed installation into a cabinet;

[0058] Figure 2 Schematic view of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present invention during recessed installation into a cabinet;

[0059] Figure 3 Schematic view of a gap retention assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0060] Figure 4 Schematic view of a second gap retention element according to an embodiment of the present invention in an upside-down position;

[0061] Figure 5 Schematic view of a first gap retention element according to an embodiment of the present invention in an upside-down position;

[0062] Figure 6 Schematic view of a first gap retention element and a second gap retention element according to an embodiment of the present invention assembled together;

[0063] Figure 7 Schematic view of a cross-section along the line A-A in Figure 6

[0064] Schematic view of a cross-section along the line B-B in Figure 8 Figure 6 Schematic view of a household appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention during recessed installation;

[0065] Figure 9 Schematic view of the household appliance shown in

[0066] Figure 10 Figure 9 Schematic view of the household appliance shown in

[0067] Figure 11 Schematic view of a gap retention assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention; ​​

[0068] Figure 12 for Figure 11 perspective view of the second gap maintaining member shown in

[0069] Figure 13 perspective view of the first gap maintaining member of the third embodiment of the present application;

[0070] Figure 14 for Figure 13 perspective view of the first gap maintaining member of the embodiment shown in

[0071] Figure 15 for Figure 13 partial sectional view of the first gap maintaining member of the embodiment shown in

[0072] Figure 16 front view of the first gap maintaining member of the fourth embodiment of the present application;

[0073] Figure 17 for Figure 16 perspective view of the first gap maintaining member of the embodiment shown in

[0074] Figure 18 perspective view of the first gap maintaining member of the fifth embodiment of the present application in a bottom surface facing upward state.

[0075] Reference numerals:

[0076] 1 - cabinet; 1a - mounting cavity; 1b - cabinet wall; 1c - countertop; 2 - refrigerator; 3 - main body; 4 - door; 9 - gap maintaining assembly; 10 - first gap maintaining member; 20 - second gap maintaining member; 11 - first top surface; 12 - first guide surface; 13 - buffer portion; 14 - sink; 14' - mounting surface; 15 - island portion; 16 - sliding groove; 17 - connecting portion; 18 - clamping groove; 19 - groove; 21 - second top surface; 22 - second guide surface; 23 - bottom surface; 24 - mark; 25 - recessed portion; 26 - sliding block; 27 - avoiding portion; 28 - clamping hook; 30 - side wall; 31 - front edge; 32 - rear edge; 33 - lower edge; 34 - upper edge; 130 - first adhesive layer; 161 - first opening; 162 - inlet of the sliding groove; 163 - stop portion; 251 - peripheral wall; 252 - top surface of the recessed portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0077] In order to have further understanding of the object, configuration, features, and functions of the present application, detailed description is made as follows in connection with embodiments.

[0078] The embedded household appliance of the present application includes all household appliances 2 suitable for embedded installation in a cabinet 1 or a cupboard, including one of a refrigerator, a wine cabinet, a refrigeration cabinet, a freezer, a washing machine, a clothes dryer, a washer-dryer, an oven, a steamer, a steamer-oven, a micro-steamer-oven, a microwave oven, a dishwasher, an embedded direct drinking machine, etc.

[0079] The household appliance of the present application will be described below by taking a refrigerator as an example, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Among them Figure 1 is a schematic view of a refrigerator of an embodiment of the present application embeddedly installed in a cabinet; Figure 2 is a schematic view of a refrigerator of an embodiment of the present application during the process of embedded installation in a cabinet.

[0080] For ease of description, in the present embodiment, the width direction of the refrigerator 2 is denoted as the x direction, the depth direction of the refrigerator 2 is denoted as the y direction, and the height direction of the refrigerator 2 is denoted as the z direction. In the present embodiment, the front-rear direction refers to the y direction and the opposite direction thereof, wherein the front refers to the direction of the refrigerator 2 facing the user during use, and the rear refers to the direction of the refrigerator 2 away from the user during use, the upward refers to the z direction shown in the drawing, and the downward refers to the opposite direction of the z direction shown in the drawing.

[0081] It should be noted that Figure 2 is exemplarily shown by taking a multi-door refrigerator as an example, and in actual application, the present embodiment can be completely applicable to other types of refrigerators 1, such as side-by-side refrigerators, French side-by-side refrigerators, etc.

[0082] The cabinet 1 is a group of cupboards arranged in a kitchen, a dining room or a living room. The cabinet 1 has a mounting cavity 1a for embedding a household appliance, and the mounting cavity 1a is limited by two cabinet walls 1b in the left-right direction. Of course, the cabinet 1 can also include a countertop 1c as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 .

[0083] The refrigerator 2 includes a main body 3 and a door 4. Among them, the main body 3 defines at least one cavity (not shown), and the main body 3 includes a pair of oppositely arranged side walls 30 limiting the main body 3 in the width direction of the refrigerator 2. The door 4 is movably connected to the main body 3 to open and close at least part of the cavity.

[0084] The refrigerator 2 of the present application further includes a gap maintaining assembly 9 arranged on at least one of the pair of side walls 30. In the present embodiment, each side wall 30 is provided with a plurality of gap maintaining assemblies 9, as shown in Figure 2 .

[0085] The plurality of gap maintaining assemblies 9 in this embodiment are arranged in two rows extending along the height direction z of the refrigerator 2, one of which is arranged close to the front edge 31 of the side wall 30, and the other of which is arranged close to the rear edge 32 of the side wall 30.

[0086] In this embodiment, the distance from the front edge 31 of the side wall 30 to the row of gap maintaining assemblies 9 arranged close to the front edge 31 of the side wall is 50 mm. The distance from the rear edge 32 of the side wall 30 to the row of gap maintaining assemblies 9 arranged close to the rear edge 32 of the side wall is 50 mm.

[0087] In this embodiment, the distance from the rear edge 32 of the side wall 30 to the row of gap maintaining assemblies 9 arranged close to the rear edge 32 of the side wall is less than the distance from the lower edge 33 or the upper edge 34 of the side wall 30 to the row of gap maintaining assemblies 9.

[0088] The advantage of this arrangement is that, in the initial stage of the refrigerator 2 entering the installation cavity la, the gap maintaining assemblies 9 begin to function, and the main body 3 of the refrigerator 2 is guided and limited by the gap maintaining assemblies 9, so that it can be ensured that the refrigerator 2 is installed in the installation cavity la at a predetermined distance from the two side cabinet walls lb, and in particular that the refrigerator is installed in the cabinet at the same distance from the two side cabinet walls lb, which is conducive to the embedded installation of the refrigerator or other household appliances, and prevents one side gap being too large and the other side gap being too small, which affects the overall visual effect of the layout of the household appliances and the cabinet. In addition, the above-mentioned scheme is conducive to reducing the possibility of the side wall 30 of the refrigerator colliding with the cabinet wall lb during installation when the side wall 30 is not parallel to the cabinet wall lb.

[0089] The plurality of gap maintaining assemblies 9 are arranged in at least two rows extending along the depth direction y of the refrigerator 2. As shown in Figure 2 In this embodiment, five gap maintaining assemblies 9 are arranged in three rows extending along the depth direction of the refrigerator 2. One of the rows is arranged closer to the upper edge 34 of the side wall 30 than to the lower edge 33 of the side wall 30. That is, one of the rows is arranged at the upper portion of the side wall 30, and the distance from the upper edge 34 of the side wall 30 is 200 mm. Another of the rows is arranged closer to the lower edge 33 of the side wall 30 than to the upper edge 34 of the side wall 30. That is, another of the rows is arranged at the lower portion of the side wall 30, and the distance from the lower edge 33 of the side wall is 200 mm. The other row is located between the above-mentioned two rows and at the same height range as the hinge or waistline of the refrigerator 2. Thus, it is ensured that the main body 3 of the refrigerator is kept at a predetermined distance from the cabinet wall lb on the hinge side of the door 4, thereby reducing the possibility of the door 4 colliding with the cabinet wall when it is opened.

[0090] In this embodiment, a gap retaining component 9 is provided in the middle region of the side wall 30. This gap retaining component 9 is located near the front edge 31 of the side wall 30, and the distance from the front edge 31 of the side wall 30 to the front edge 31 is 50mm. In this way, it can be ensured that the refrigerator 2 maintains a predetermined distance from the cabinet wall 1b on the hinge side of the door, so that the opening of the door 4 is not affected when the refrigerator is embedded in the cabinet.

[0091] The above is only Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment. In other embodiments of the invention, the distance from the front edge of the gap retaining component 9 near the front edge of the sidewall 30 to the front edge can be 50-100 mm. The distance from the rear edge of the gap retaining component 9 near the rear edge of the sidewall 30 to the rear edge can be 50-100 mm. The distance from the upper edge 34 of the sidewall 30, which is closer to the lower edge 33 than the lower edge 33, to the upper edge 34 of the sidewall 30 can be 50-300 mm. The distance from the lower edge 33 of the sidewall 30, which is closer to the upper edge 34 than the upper edge 34 of the sidewall 30, to the lower edge 33 of the sidewall 30 can be 50-300 mm.

[0092] The following will combine Figures 3 to 10 The gap-maintaining component 9 of this invention is described in detail in an embodiment of the present invention. Wherein, Figure 3 This is an exploded view of a gap-maintaining assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the second gap retainer in the bottom-facing state according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the first gap retainer in the bottom-facing state according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0093] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a first gap retainer and a second gap retainer assembled together according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 For along Figure 6 A partial sectional three-dimensional schematic diagram of the middle AA line; Figure 8 For along Figure 6 A partial sectional three-dimensional schematic diagram of the middle BB line; Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a household appliance during embedded installation according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 10 for Figure 9 The diagram shows the household appliances continuing to enter the cabinet mounting cavity.

[0094] The gap retaining component 9 in this embodiment includes a first gap retainer 10 and a second gap retainer 20.

[0095] The first gap retainer 10 includes a first top surface 11 located at the top of the first gap retainer 10 and a first guide surface 12 disposed at least partially around the first top surface 11. In the usage state of the first gap retainer 10, the first guide surface 12 faces away from the sidewall 30 towards the center O (shown in the diagram) near the first top surface 11. Figure 11 and Figure 3 It extends at an angle.

[0096] The second gap retainer 20 includes a second top surface 21 located at the top of the second gap retainer 20 and a second guide surface 22 disposed at least partially around the second top surface 21.

[0097] The second gap retainer 20 can be connected to the first gap retainer 10. When the gap retaining assembly 9 is in use, the second gap retainer 20 is located between the first gap retainer 10 and the side wall 30.

[0098] In this embodiment, the first top surface 11 is configured as a plane. Furthermore, the first top surface 11 is configured to be parallel to the plane of the side wall 30 in the usage state of the first gap retainer 10. The first guide surface 12 is configured as a curved surface; specifically, in this embodiment, the first guide surface 12 is an arc surface. Moreover, the first guide surface 12 is arranged around the first top surface 11. Thus, the first guide surface 12 provides guidance for the recessed installation of the household appliance in the circumferential direction of the first gap retainer 10. When the first gap retainer 10 is installed on the side wall 30, it does not need to maintain a specific installation direction or undergo specific alignment, which is more user-friendly for installation.

[0099] In this embodiment, the second top surface 21 is configured as a plane. Furthermore, the second top surface 21 is configured to be parallel to the plane of the sidewall 30 in the usage state of the second gap retainer 10. The second guide surface 22 is configured as a curved surface; specifically, in this embodiment, the second guide surface 22 is an arc surface. Moreover, the second guide surface 22 is arranged around the second top surface 21. Similarly, the second guide surface 22 guides the recessed installation of the household appliance in the circumferential direction of the gap retainer 9.

[0100] like Figure 3 As shown, the first gap retainer 10 includes a buffer portion 13. The hardness of the buffer portion 13 is less than that of the first top surface 11 and the first guide surface 12. Therefore, the buffer portion 13 in this embodiment can buffer the contact between the first gap retainer 10 and the cabinet wall 1b during use, making it less likely to scratch the cabinet wall or cause indentations to the main body side wall 30 of the refrigerator.

[0101] like Figure 5 As shown, the first gap retainer 10 has a mounting surface 14' facing the side wall 30, and a buffer portion 13 is provided on the mounting surface 14'.

[0102] The buffer portion 13 has a first adhesive layer 130 on the side facing the sidewall 30 to mount the first gap retainer 10 to the sidewall 30.

[0103] The first guide surface 12 has a first included angle α relative to the side wall 30, and the second guide surface 22 has a second included angle β relative to the side wall 30. The first angle α has a range of 0 < α ≤ 60°, and the second angle β has a range of 0 < β ≤ 60°.

[0104] In some embodiments, the first guide surface 12 and / or the second guide surface 22 are curved surfaces, and the first angle α and / or the second angle β can be understood as the angle between the tangent of the first guide surface 12 or the second guide surface 22 and the sidewall 20.

[0105] The first angle α and the second angle β satisfy the following relationship: α > β.

[0106] The advantage of this design is that the angle difference between the second guide surface 22 and the second top surface 21 is smaller, which makes it easier for the second guide surface 22 to guide the cabinet wall 1b it contacts to the second top surface 21 during the refrigerator embedding installation process. On the other hand, this solution facilitates the smooth transition of the cabinet wall 1b in contact with the gap retaining component 9 from the first guide surface 12 to the second guide surface 22, reducing the possibility of the cabinet wall 1b getting stuck at the junction of the first guide surface 12 and the second guide surface 22, such as at the joint seam.

[0107] In this embodiment, the first angle α is 40°. The second angle β is 25°.

[0108] To prevent the refrigerator from getting stuck at the junction of the first gap retainer 10 and the second gap retainer 20 during the embedded installation process, and thus preventing further transition to the second gap retainer 20, as follows: Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the first guide surface 12 and the second guide surface 22 partially overlap in a direction parallel to the sidewall 30, and the first guide surface 12 is located outside the second guide surface 22.

[0109] Specifically, a groove 14 is formed on the top of the first gap retainer 10, and the second gap retainer 20 is at least partially located in the groove 14 such that the top of the first guide surface 12 extends beyond the bottom of the second guide surface 22 in the direction of the vertical sidewall 30.

[0110] That is, in the gap maintaining component 9 as Figure 7 In the state shown, the top of the first guide surface 12 is higher than the bottom of the second guide surface 22.

[0111] Thus, as Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, when a household appliance is embedded in a cabinet, the cabinet wall 1b first contacts the first guide surface 12 of the first gap retainer 10. As the household appliance continues to move along the depth direction y towards the mounting cavity 1a of the cabinet, the cabinet wall 1b directly reaches the second guide surface 22 from the first guide surface 12, and further reaches the second top surface 21. Under the limitation of the second top surface 21, the main body 3 and the cabinet wall 1b are installed in the mounting cavity 1a of the cabinet with a predetermined gap. Due to the improvement of the above embodiment, the seam between the first gap retainer 10 and the second gap retainer 20 is not exposed on the surface of the gap retaining assembly. The top end of the first guide surface 12 is higher than the bottom end of the second guide surface 22, thereby covering the seam between the first gap retainer 10 and the second gap retainer 20 inside the first guide surface 12. After passing the first guide surface 12, the cabinet wall 1b directly reaches the area where the top end of the second guide surface 22 faces upward, avoiding the edge of the cabinet wall 1b getting stuck at the connection between the first gap retainer 10 and the second gap retainer 20.

[0112] like Figure 3 As shown, the settling tank 14 is located between the first top surface 11 and the first guide surface 12. The settling tank 14 is at least partially arranged around the first top surface 11.

[0113] The sink 14 separates the first top surface 11 and the first guide surface 12, so that the top of the first gap retainer 10 forms an island-shaped portion 15. In this embodiment, the first top surface 11 is formed as the top surface of the island-shaped portion 15.

[0114] like Figure 4 As shown, the bottom of the second gap retainer 20 has a recessed portion 25 that is recessed toward the second top surface 21, and the first top surface 11 is adapted to be received in the recessed portion 25.

[0115] In this embodiment, the second gap retainer 20 is non-destructively and detachably connected to the first gap retainer 10. The term "non-destructively and detachably connected" can be understood as meaning that after the second gap retainer 20 is connected to the first gap retainer 10, it can be detached from the first gap retainer 10, and at the same time, "detachment" will not damage the first gap retainer 10 and the second gap retainer 20.

[0116] like Figures 3 to 10 As shown, one of the first gap retainer 10 and the second gap retainer 20 includes a groove 16, and the other of the first gap retainer 10 and the second gap retainer 20 includes a slider 26. The slider 26 is adapted to slide into the groove 16 and engage with the groove 16 in the direction from the first gap retainer 10 to the second gap retainer 20.

[0117] In this embodiment, the first gap retainer 10 includes a groove 16, and the second gap retainer 20 includes a slider 26.

[0118] The inlet 162 of the chute 16 is located on the first guide surface 12. Furthermore, the island-shaped portion 15 has a connecting portion 17 that connects to the first guide surface 12. The chute 16 extends from the first guide surface 12 through the connecting portion 17 to the middle region of the island-shaped portion 15. Therefore, the chute 16 connects the first guide surface 12 and the island-shaped portion 15.

[0119] like Figure 4 As shown, the slider 26 is disposed in the recess 25, protruding from the top surface 252 of the recess 25.

[0120] The groove 16 includes a first opening 161 that opens toward the second clearance retainer 20, such as Figure 3 and Figure 7 As shown, the width of the portion of the slide groove 16 excluding the first opening 161 is greater than the width of the first opening 161. Therefore, after the slider 26 enters the slide groove 16 from the inlet 162, it can engage with the slide groove 16 in the direction from the first gap retainer 10 to the second gap retainer 20. That is, after the slider 26 slides into the slide groove 16, it can engage with the slide groove 16 in the direction from the first gap retainer 10 to the second gap retainer 20. Figures 6 to 8 The gap retaining component 9 shown is engaged with the slide groove 16 in the thickness direction, thereby preventing the second gap retainer 20 from disengaging from the first gap retainer 10 in the thickness direction of the gap retaining component 9.

[0121] When the first clearance retainer is in such a state Figure 7 In the shown placement state, the width of the slide 16 gradually increases from top to bottom. In this embodiment, the vertical cross-section of the slide 16 is an isosceles trapezoid that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom.

[0122] The vertical section of the lower part of slider 26 is also designed to be narrower at the top and wider at the bottom.

[0123] Of course, the slider and groove of the present invention are not limited thereto. In another embodiment, the vertical cross-section of the groove can be an inverted T-shape. The vertical cross-section of the slider is also an inverted T-shape.

[0124] like Figure 3 As shown, the slide 16 has a stop 163 that restricts the slider 26 to a preset position. The stop 163 is configured as a wall surrounding the slide 16. Furthermore, the stop 163 is a wall disposed opposite to the inlet 162 of the slide 16.

[0125] Please refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6The top of the first gap retainer 10 forms an island-shaped portion 15, and the second gap retainer 20 includes a recessed portion 25 adapted to the island-shaped portion 15. As the slider 26 slides in the groove 16 to a preset position, the island-shaped portion 15 enters the recessed portion 25 and cooperates with the recessed portion 25 to position the second gap retainer 20 to a certain extent in the direction in which the slider 26 slides out of the groove 16. Figure 8 As shown.

[0126] The cooperation between the island-shaped portion 15 and the recessed portion 25 provides a certain resistance to the slider 26 in the direction of sliding out of the groove 16, such as Figure 8 As shown in region B, the slider 26 needs to overcome the resistance created by the engagement of the island-shaped portion 15 and the recessed portion 25 in order to slide out of the groove 16. It can be seen that the interlocking of the island-shaped portion 15 and the recessed portion 25 can, to a certain extent, position the second gap holder 20 on the first gap holder 10.

[0127] Specifically, the second gap holder 20 has a peripheral wall 251 that defines the recess 25 in the circumferential direction. The peripheral wall 251 extends outward from the recess 25 toward the bottom surface 23 of the second gap holder 20. In this way, when the second gap holder 20 is removed, the recess 25 can be guided over the island portion 15 by the inclined peripheral wall 251, so that the slider can slide in the direction of sliding out of the groove.

[0128] The angle between the peripheral wall 251 and the first top surface 11 is an obtuse angle greater than or equal to 120°.

[0129] Therefore, the above-described solution in this embodiment can not only position the second gap retainer 20 to a certain extent, but also allow the second gap retainer 20 to be removed from the first gap retainer 10 non-destructively.

[0130] The island-shaped portion 15 is at least partially separated from the first guide surface 12 by a recess 14 surrounding the island-shaped portion 15. As previously described, the island-shaped portion 15 has a connecting portion 17 that connects to the first guide surface 12. The second gap retainer 20 has a relief portion 27 formed corresponding to the connecting portion 17. The relief portion 27 communicates with the recess 25. When the second gap retainer 20 is connected to the first gap retainer 10, the connecting portion 17 is adapted to fit within the relief portion 27.

[0131] The first gap retainer 10 and the second gap retainer 20 of this embodiment can be shipped as accessories with the refrigerator. Users can choose to install the refrigerator themselves in the cabinet mounting cavity 1a, or they can schedule an appointment for after-sales personnel to install it at their home. To guide the user in connecting the first and second gap retainers, a mark 24 is provided on the surface of the second gap retainer 20. Mark 24 is an indicator mark indicating the alignment and sliding direction of the second gap retainer 20. Mark 24 can be aligned with the first opening 161 of the slide groove 16, and the second gap retainer 20 can be slid in the direction indicated by the arrow to assemble the gap retaining assembly.

[0132] The first gap retainer 10 and the second gap retainer 20 can be non-destructively and detachably connected, providing reversibility for user self-operation. If a user accidentally connects the first gap retainer 10 and the second gap retainer 20, but the first gap retainer 10 is actually installed independently on the side wall 30 to meet the cabinet gap requirements for the built-in installation of their purchased home appliances, the user can disassemble the first gap retainer and the second gap retainer and reconnect them.

[0133] The first gap retainer 10 and the second gap retainer 20 have different thicknesses. The thickness of the first gap retainer 10 is greater than the thickness of the second gap retainer 20. In one embodiment, the thickness of the first gap retainer 10 is 4 mm. The thickness of the second gap retainer 20 is 2.5 mm. The first and second gap retainers, when combined, are suitable for limiting a gap of approximately 6.5 mm between the refrigerator and the cabinet wall.

[0134] The first clearance retainer 10, in addition to the following Figure 6 The second gap retainer 20 shown is used together, while the first gap retainer 10 can also be used independently. That is, multiple first gap retainers 10 are individually connected to the side wall 30, and the first gap retainers are suitable for limiting the gap of about 4mm between the refrigerator and the cabinet wall.

[0135] The above is only a description of one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 and Figure 12 Another embodiment of the invention is shown. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a gap-maintaining component according to another embodiment of the present invention; Figure 12 for Figure 11 The figure shows a perspective view of the second gap retainer with its bottom surface facing upwards. The gap retaining assembly in this embodiment includes a first gap retainer 10 and a second gap retainer 20. It should be noted that the same structures or components as those in the previous embodiments are marked with the same reference numerals, and their functions or effects are the same or similar, and will not be described again here.

[0136] The difference from the previous embodiment is that, in this embodiment, one of the first gap retainer 10 and the second gap retainer 20 includes a hook 28, and the other of the first gap retainer 10 and the second gap retainer 20 includes a groove 18. The hook 28 is adapted to engage with the groove 18 so that the second gap retainer 20 is connected to the first gap retainer 10.

[0137] in Figure 11 The first gap retainer 10 includes a slot 18. The second gap retainer 20 includes a hook 28. Multiple slots 18 are arranged around a first top surface 11, and hooks 28 are arranged around a recess 25. To ensure even connection, the multiple slots 18 are equally spaced around the first top surface 11, and the hooks 28 are equally spaced around the recess 25.

[0138] The bottom surface of the first gap retainer 10 is provided with a buffer portion 13, and the buffer portion 13 has a first adhesive layer that can connect the first gap retainer 10 to the side wall 30 of the main body. In order to avoid the connection between the second gap retainer 20 and the first gap retainer 10 interfering with the connection of the gap retaining assembly 9 to the side wall 30, the hook 28 does not protrude from the bottom surface of the first gap retainer 10 when it is connected to the slot 18.

[0139] In this embodiment, the top of the first gap retainer 10 is also formed with a groove 14, and the second gap retainer 20 is at least partially located in the groove 14 such that the top of the first guide surface 12 extends beyond the bottom of the second guide surface 22 in the direction of the vertical sidewall 30.

[0140] In this embodiment, the top of the first gap retainer 10 is formed with an island-shaped portion 15, and the recess 14 completely separates the island-shaped portion 15 from the first guide surface 12. The recess 14 is arranged around the island-shaped portion 15.

[0141] This embodiment and Figures 3 to 8 The aforementioned embodiment differs in that the second gap retainer 20 in this embodiment is non-detachably connected to the first gap retainer 10. Therefore, the household appliance of this embodiment is more suitable for on-site installation by after-sales personnel. Alternatively, at the time of manufacture, the household appliance manufacturer may have already connected the second gap retainer to the first gap retainer according to the gap requirements, or may only include a first gap retainer (or second gap retainer) suitable for independent installation on the side wall in the accessory package.

[0142] In another embodiment of the present invention, the difference from the two embodiments described above is that the second gap retainer 20 includes a second adhesive layer (not shown), and the second gap retainer 20 is connected to the first gap retainer portion through the second adhesive layer.

[0143] In this embodiment, the first gap retainer and the second gap retainer have different thicknesses. For example, the first gap retainer has a thickness of 4 mm, and the second gap retainer has a thickness of 2 mm. The gap retaining assembly formed by connecting the first and second gap retainers together has a thickness of 6 mm. Therefore, this gap retaining assembly is suitable for limiting a 6 mm gap between a household appliance and a cabinet wall.

[0144] In addition to the second gap retainer being connected to the first gap retainer to form a gap retaining assembly, the second gap retainer can also be independently connected to the side wall 30 via a second adhesive layer. Therefore, the second gap retainer is suitable for limiting a 2mm gap between a household appliance and a cabinet wall.

[0145] Of course, the first gap retainer can be individually attached to the side wall 30 via the first adhesive layer. Therefore, the first gap retainer is suitable for limiting a 4mm gap between a household appliance and the cabinet wall.

[0146] It can be seen that the first gap retainer and the second gap retainer described above can be adapted to the embedded installation of three different gap requirements of household appliances through different methods.

[0147] Please refer to the following. Figures 13 to 15 ,in, Figure 13 This is a perspective view of the first gap retainer according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Figure 14 for Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the first gap retainer in the embodiment shown, with the bottom surface facing upwards; Figure 15 for Figure 13 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of the first gap retainer in the illustrated embodiment. In this embodiment, the first gap retainer 10 can be used alone to limit the distance between the side wall 30 of the household appliance and the cabinet wall 1b.

[0148] The first gap retainer 10 includes a first top surface 11 located at the top of the first gap retainer 10 and a first guide surface 12 disposed around the first top surface 11. In the use state of the first gap retainer 10, the first guide surface 12 extends obliquely from near to far from the sidewall 30 toward the center O near the first top surface 11. In this embodiment, the top end of the first guide surface 12 is located in the plane of the first top surface 11.

[0149] In this embodiment, the first top surface 11 is configured as a plane parallel to the sidewall 30. The first guide surface 12 is an inclined curved surface. The first included angle α formed by the first guide surface 12 relative to the sidewall 30 ranges from 0 < α ≤ 60°. The first gap retainer 10 is configured as a frustum-shaped cone.

[0150] like Figure 14As shown, the first gap retainer 10 has a mounting surface 14' facing the sidewall 30, and a buffer portion 13 is provided on the mounting surface 14'. The side of the buffer portion 13 facing the sidewall 30 has a first adhesive layer 130 to mount the first gap retainer 10 to the sidewall 30.

[0151] Please refer to the following. Figure 16 and Figure 17 ,in, Figure 16 This is a front view of the first gap retainer according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 17 for Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the first gap retainer in the embodiment shown, with the bottom surface facing upwards.

[0152] The first gap retainer 10 in this embodiment includes a first top surface 11 located at the top of the first gap retainer 10 and a first guide surface 12 disposed around the first top surface 11.

[0153] In this embodiment, the first top surface 11 is constructed as a curved surface. The first guide surface 12 is also constructed as a curved surface. The first top surface 11 and the first guide surface 12 are smoothly connected. In this embodiment, the first gap retainer 10 is constructed as a spherical cap shape. Both the first top surface 11 and the first guide surface 12 are part of a sphere.

[0154] like Figure 17 As shown, the first gap retainer 10 has a mounting surface 14' facing the sidewall 30, and a buffer portion 13 is provided on the mounting surface 14'. The side of the buffer portion 13 facing the sidewall 30 has a first adhesive layer 130 to individually mount the first gap retainer 10 to the sidewall 30.

[0155] like Figure 18 As shown, Figure 18 This is a schematic diagram of the first gap retainer in the bottom-facing state according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment and... Figure 16 , Figure 17 The difference in the fourth embodiment shown is that a groove 19 is formed around the mounting surface 14' at the bottom of the first gap retainer 10. In other words, the groove 19 separates the mounting surface 14' at the bottom of the first gap retainer 10 from the first guide surface. This is equivalent to pre-setting the mounting position for the buffer portion to ensure that the buffer portion is installed in the central area of ​​the bottom of the first gap retainer 10.

[0156] The above are merely embodiments of the technical solution of the present invention illustrated by limited figures. In fact, the solution of the present invention can be modified, adjusted and combined to generate more embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should not be limited by the embodiments shown above.

[0157] For example, in one embodiment of the invention, the first gap retainer 10 includes a first top surface 11 and a first guide surface 12 disposed around the first top surface 11. The first top surface 11 is formed as a plane parallel to the side wall 30 of the household appliance, and the first guide surface 12 is configured as a plane and extends obliquely relative to the side wall 30. The first gap retainer 10 is configured as a frustum shape.

[0158] Combination Figures 1 to 18 Various embodiments of the individual components described can be combined with each other in any given manner to achieve the advantages of the invention.

[0159] The present invention has been described in the above-described embodiments; however, these embodiments are merely examples for implementing the present invention. It must be noted that the disclosed embodiments do not limit the scope of the present invention. Conversely, any modifications and refinements made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention are within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An embedded household appliance (2), comprising The main body (3) defines at least one chamber, the main body (3) including a pair of opposing sidewalls (30), the pair of sidewalls (30) defining the main body (3) in the width direction of the household appliance (2); A door (4), movably connected to the body (3), for opening and closing at least a portion of the chamber; and A first gap retainer (10), disposed on at least one of the pair of sidewalls (30), characterized in that, The first gap retainer (10) includes a first top surface (11) located on top of the first gap retainer (10) and a first guide surface (12) disposed at least partially around the first top surface (11). In the use state of the first gap retainer (10), the first guide surface (12) extends obliquely toward the center (O) of the first top surface (11) relative to the side wall (30) from near to far.

2. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first guide surface (12) is configured as a plane or a curved surface; and / or The first top surface (11) is configured as a plane or a curved surface; and / or The first top surface (11) and the first guide surface (12) are smoothly connected; and / or The first guide surface (12) is arranged around the first top surface (11); and / or The top end of the first guide surface (12) is located in the plane containing the first top surface (11); and / or Multiple first gap retainers (10) are provided on each sidewall (30).

3. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of the first gap retainers (10) are provided on one side wall (30), wherein A plurality of the first gap retainers (10) are arranged in at least two columns extending along the height direction of the household appliance (2), one column being disposed near the front edge of the sidewall (30), and the other column being disposed near the rear edge of the sidewall (30); and / or A plurality of the first gap retainers (10) are arranged in at least two rows extending along the depth direction of the household appliance (2), one row being positioned closer to the upper edge of the sidewall (30) than the lower edge of the sidewall (30), and the other row being positioned closer to the lower edge of the sidewall (30) than the upper edge of the sidewall (30); and / or The distance from a row of first gap retainers (10) disposed near the rear edge of the sidewall to the rear edge of the sidewall (30) is less than the distance from them to the upper or lower edge of the sidewall (30).

4. The household appliance (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The distance from the first gap retainer (10) disposed near the front edge of the sidewall (30) to the front edge is 50-100 mm; and / or The distance from the rear edge of the first gap retainer (10) located near the rear edge of the sidewall (30) is 50-100 mm; and / or The distance from the first gap retainer (10), which is disposed closer to the upper edge of the sidewall (30) than the lower edge of the sidewall (30), to the upper edge of the sidewall (30) is 50-300 mm; and / or The distance from the first gap retainer (10), which is disposed closer to the lower edge of the sidewall (30) than the upper edge of the sidewall (30), to the lower edge of the sidewall (30) is 50-300 mm; and / or Multiple first gap retainers (10) are arranged in at least three rows in the depth direction of the household appliance (2), one row being arranged near the upper edge of the side wall (30), one row being arranged near the lower edge of the side wall (30), and another row being located in the middle of the two rows and at the same height as the hinge or waistline of the household appliance (2).

5. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first top surface (11) is configured to be parallel to the plane of the sidewall (30) in the use state of the first gap retainer (10); or, The first top surface (11) is constructed as part of a sphere.

6. The household appliance (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first gap retainer (10) is configured as a frustum, truncated pyramid, or spherical cap; and / or The first guide surface (12) has a first included angle α relative to the sidewall (30) in the range of 0° < α ≤ 60°; and / or The first gap retainer (10) includes a buffer portion (13), the hardness of which is less than that of the first top surface (11) and the first guide surface (12).

7. The household appliance (2) according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, It also includes a second gap retainer (20), the second gap retainer (20) including a second top surface (21) located on top of the second gap retainer (20) and a second guide surface (22) disposed at least partially around the second top surface (21), wherein the second gap retainer (20) is connected to the first gap retainer (10) and the second gap retainer (20) is located between the first gap retainer (10) and the sidewall (30).

8. The household appliance (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first guide surface (12) has a first included angle α relative to the side wall (30), and the second guide surface (22) has a second included angle β relative to the side wall (30), wherein α>β.

9. The household appliance (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first guide surface (12) and the second guide surface (22) partially overlap in a direction parallel to the sidewall (30), and the first guide surface (12) is located outside the second guide surface (22).

10. The household appliance (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The top of the first gap retainer (10) is formed with a groove (14), and the second gap retainer (20) is at least partially located in the groove (14) such that the top end of the first guide surface (12) extends beyond the bottom end of the second guide surface (22) in a direction perpendicular to the side wall (30).

11. The household appliance (2) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The settling tank (14) is at least partially disposed around the first top surface (11); and / or The settling tank (14) is located between the first top surface (11) and the first guide surface (12); and / or The sink (14) separates the first top surface (11) and the first guide surface (12), so that the top of the first gap retainer (10) forms an island-shaped portion (15).

12. The household appliance (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The bottom of the second gap retainer (20) is formed with a recess (25) that is recessed toward the second top surface (21), and the first top surface (11) is adapted to be received in the recess (25); and / or The second gap retainer (20) is non-destructively and detachably connected to the first gap retainer (10).

13. The household appliance (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that, One of the first gap retainer (10) and the second gap retainer (20) includes a groove (16), and the other of the first gap retainer (10) and the second gap retainer (20) includes a slider (26) adapted to slide into the groove (16) and engage with the groove (16) in the direction from the first gap retainer (10) to the second gap retainer (20).

14. The household appliance (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The top of the first gap holder (10) forms an island-shaped portion (15), and the second gap holder (20) includes a recessed portion (25) adapted to the island-shaped portion (15). As the slider (26) slides in the groove (16) to a preset position, the island-shaped portion (15) enters the recessed portion (25) and cooperates with the recessed portion (25) to position the second gap holder (20) to a certain extent in the direction in which the slider slides out of the groove.

15. The household appliance (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The circumferential wall (251) defining the recess (25) extends outwardly from the recess (25) toward the bottom surface (23) of the second gap retainer (20); and / or The circumferential angle between the peripheral wall (251) of the recess (25) and the first top surface (11) is defined as an obtuse angle greater than or equal to 120°; and / or The island portion (15) is at least partially separated from the first guide surface (12) by a groove (14) surrounding the island portion (15); and / or The first top surface (11) is formed as the top surface of the island portion (15), and the groove (16) connects the first guide surface (12) and the island portion (15).

16. The household appliance (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that, The groove (16) includes a first opening (161) facing the other of the first gap retainer (10) and the second gap retainer (20), and the width of the portion of the groove (16) excluding the first opening (161) is greater than the width of the first opening (161); and / or The inlet (162) of the chute (16) is located on the first guide surface (12); and / or The slider (26) is disposed in the recess (25) protruding from the top surface (252) of the recess (25); and / or The slide (16) has a stop (163) that restricts the slider (26) to a preset position, the stop (163) being configured as a wall (163) surrounding the slide (16).

17. The household appliance (2) according to claim 7, characterized in that, One of the first gap retainer (10) and the second gap retainer (20) includes a hook (28), and the other of the first gap retainer (10) and the second gap retainer (20) includes a slot (18). The hook (28) is adapted to engage with the slot (18) so that the second gap retainer (20) is connected to the first gap retainer (10); or The second gap retainer (20) includes a second adhesive layer, and the second gap retainer (20) is connected to the first gap retainer portion through the second adhesive layer; or The second gap retainer (20) is individually attached to the sidewall (30) via a second adhesive layer.

18. A first gap retainer (10) for a household appliance (2), characterized in that, The first gap retainer (10) includes a first top surface (11) located on top of the first gap retainer (10) and a first guide surface (12) disposed at least partially around the first top surface (11). In the use state of the first gap retainer (10), the first guide surface (12) extends obliquely toward the center (O) of the first top surface (11) relative to the side wall (30) from near to far.

19. A gap-maintaining assembly (9) for a household appliance (2), characterized in that, Including the first gap retainer (10) and the second gap retainer (20) according to claim 18, the second gap retainer (20) includes a second top surface (21) located on top of the second gap retainer (20) and a second guide surface (22) disposed at least partially around the second top surface (21), wherein The second gap retainer (20) is connected to the first gap retainer (10) and is located between the first gap retainer (10) and the household appliance (2).

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